Today makes 6 months since I started my weight loss journey. I was sick and tired of lugging all that extra weight around with me everywhere I went.

The average watermelon weighs 20 pounds. Can you imagine carrying 2 or 3 watermelons around with you wherever you go? That reminds me of Oprah’s wagon of meat back in 1988 time she lost 68 pounds and brought out that much meat in red wagon. She couldn’t even lift it, but had carried it around on her body for years.

So, drumrolls please…

I’ve lost 40 pounds since February 1st!

Am I excited and happy? You damn right I am! It feels good to look in the mirror and like the direction my body and overall fitness is headed. Haven’t felt that way in awhile. I still have a ways to go but am pleased with my progress so far!

Even though I didn’t have a name for it when I started, I knew I was ready to make some changes in my life. My beloved Mother had passed away on January 15, 2015. I had a lot of stuff to to work through during that first year of being without her, and I admit, I ate a lot of feelings during that year, 10 pounds worth.

Yes, I was already fluffy from the previous 3-4 years of drama and upheaval, but that 10 pounds was the “straw”. I hadn’t weighed that much since I was 7 months pregnant with triplets!

Really, Sharon? That’s what I said when I finally faced the scale, and promised myself to get it under control.

I knew I was ready once we commemorated the 1 year anniversary of Mom’s passing.  I like starting things on either the first of the month or Mondays, and February 1, 2016 was on a Monday. Perfect. I gave myself 2 weeks to mentally prepare and on that day I got started.  Oh it was painful to take those pics and measurements but I’m glad I did.